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Jobs in web design - what's expected

We're relocating and as such may be looking for employment, not much chance of doing what ive done for years so looking online at jobs available

seen a few web design jobs, now, i'm pretty realistic and have rubbished the idea but people I know keep telling me I should go for a web design job!

I have messed about with web sites, done a fair few for small businesses (for beer money) and have got better as ive gone on learning (slowly) for the last 5 years

to be honest I rip ideas from existing websites, sometimes taking the css and modifying it, I did do em from scratch ages ago using DW (which i still use) so i could only do a site from my own pc due to having loads of bits n bobs on there, gfx, pics, css etc

an insight into whats wanted from companies asking for a designer would be appreciated and save me the embarrasment

Well first a larger company is likely to distinguish between a 'designer', a 'developer', and a 'programmer' and sometimes in other ways. Sure every member of the team has skills that cross areas, but when working with companies that are large enough to have a web department, its often the case they want people who specialize a little in one area or another. Some smaller businesses have just a tech guy to do everything, probably also related to hardware and so on.

I think to get a job you should be familiar with these concepts

- Creating valid markup
- Working with the code directly and understanding browser nuances
- At least a working understanding of some programming language beyond html/css

Some companies won't know what this means, but many are starting to wake up. They know that web design is evolving from its roots, so you need to be up to speed at least enough to convince them you can keep up.

If you want to do graphics, I think that is a lot harder to break into without more experience. If you want to do coding, it sounds like you are more along those lines, then it might be a little easier since often code works or doesn't work, where as graphics have to have a certain appeal. I don't think you are a programmer, so I don't suggest going after one of those spots.

Here is what I'd do. If you are serious about going after a (good) job in web development, then you should first make a portfolio. If you need some sites, then find some non-for-profits to volunteer for. It sounds like you want to work for a company, so you need to look at some job ads and see what they want. Usually they list a lot of stuff, and its not normal for one person to be perfect at all of the skills. It does show you a list of things you should at least be familiar with and competent enough to use at least a little bit.

Otherwise, you just have to try. I've never worked at a company, but I freelance. So my experience is a little from the outside, but I've worked with dev teams and this is my understanding of them (at least of larger ones).

jeremy - gnomeontherunEducated questions often get educated answers, and simple questions often get simple answers.

jeremy provided some excellent points. I am hard-pressed to think of something more to add. As an independent developer who has re-invented myself several times over the years, flexibility, eagerness to learn, and making an honest assessment of your skills and abilities will take you a long way in this business.

I am coming across with so many scenarios like this now a days. Your comments will help me to make few decisions. Also what do you think about unpaid internship ? Right now I am looking for proper fulltime job and 70% job postings ask for unpaid internship!! After these much experience and qualification I don't want to do that. Even if a new grade who has no industry experience, he has spent lot of money on education he deserves paid internship...

I am coming across with so many scenarios like this now a days. Your comments will help me to make few decisions. Also what do you think about unpaid internship ? Right now I am looking for proper fulltime job and 70% job postings ask for unpaid internship!! After these much experience and qualification I don't want to do that. Even if a new grade who has no industry experience, he has spent lot of money on education he deserves paid internship...

I feel that unpaid internships are a good way , not just to "get your foot in the door" but also gain some real world experience. If possible, apply for larger companies that have unpaid internships and cater your resume to the company your appying for, it will be more appealing that a one size fits all resume. Good luck!